IIGJ Mumbai celebrated National Heritage Week from 14th to 20th November with a curated series of educational activities designed to help students engage with India’s rich jewellery legacy. The week honoured traditional craftsmanship, encouraged hands-on participation, and created meaningful interactions through the IIGJ Cares initiative. Each day highlighted a unique aspect of the jewellery ecosystem, blending skill development with cultural exposure.
Day 1: Celebrating Children’s Day Under IIGJCares
The week opened with a Children’s Day visit to a local NGO, where IIGJ students spent time creating simple handcrafted jewellery pieces with children. Using basic materials such as paper quilling strips, beads, and pearls, the activity encouraged creativity, collaboration and self-expression. This initiative helped children experience the joy of making something by hand, while offering IIGJ students an opportunity to develop empathy, leadership, and communication in a real-world setting.
Day 2: Industry Immersion Visit
On 15 November, students visited Hare Krishna Designs, a jewellery manufacturing unit started in 2005 and built on trusted collaborations, innovation, impeccable quality, sustainable solutions, ethical sourcing and artistic design excellence. The session covered key stages of the manufacturing process, giving students direct exposure to how jewellery moves from concept to completion. Observing experienced artisans and technicians helped students understand the precision, discipline and coordination that define the industry.
Day 3: Alumna Interaction Session
The following day featured an insightful alumni session titled “Heritage to High Street,” which explored how traditional techniques continue to influence contemporary jewellery markets. The discussion highlighted the importance of understanding heritage not only as craft but as a foundation for innovation, entrepreneurship, and modern design opportunities. It offered students valuable career-oriented guidance from someone who had once been in their place.
Day 4: Heritage Élan Showcase
On 18 November, students presented digital visual merchandising displays inspired by heritage themes. These projects combined research, storytelling, and design strategy, encouraging students to think critically about how heritage can be translated into contemporary retail experiences. The showcase demonstrated their ability to blend aesthetics with consumer understanding.
Day 5: Heritage Motif Making Challenge
The “Legacy to Luxury” challenge on 19 November invited students to reimagine traditional Indian motifs into modern jewellery forms. This exercise encouraged conceptual thinking, design adaptability, and a deeper appreciation of cultural symbolism. Students explored how motifs evolve across eras while retaining relevance in new styles.
Day 6: History of Jewellery Display
The final day featured a curated walk-through of India’s jewellery evolution. The display highlighted major periods, craftsmanship styles, and regional influences that have shaped Indian jewellery identity. Students gained a structured understanding of how history, culture, and artistry intersect within the craft.
A Week that Strengthened Learning and Community
National Heritage Week served as a reminder that jewellery education thrives when traditional knowledge, real-world exposure, and community engagement come together. Through hands-on activities, industry visits, and cultural appreciation, IIGJ Mumbai reinforced its commitment to nurturing skilled, aware, and industry-ready professionals.Our students walk away not only with enhanced technical understanding but with a deeper respect for the heritage that continues to shape India’s jewellery narrative today.
To explore programs at Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery in jewellery design, manufacturing, gemmology and more visit www.iigj.org.
